A SURVEY ON THE USE OF MOSQUITO NETS BY THE RESIDENTS OF IBRAHIM TAIWO ESTATE, FEDERAL LOW-COST (BAGA ROAD), MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE

Mosquito nets provide critical protection against mosquito bites and other insects, significantly reducing the risk of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and various forms of encephalitis, including West Nile virus. This study surveyed the usage, awareness, and effectiveness of mosquito nets in Ibrahim Taiwo Estate, Federal Low-Cost (Baga Road), Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. The primary aim was to evaluate the level of awareness, the extent of usage, and the types of mosquito nets adopted by residents in preventing mosquito-borne diseases. A total of 100 households were randomly selected using a simple random sampling technique. The results indicated that 87% of respondents were aware of the effectiveness of mosquito nets in preventing malaria and other diseases. Among the respondents, 60.6% reported consistent use of mosquito nets, with 75% of those using insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) for enhanced protection. However, 39.4% either lacked mosquito nets or used them irregularly. The primary reasons for non-use included discomfort during hot weather (65%) and lack of access or affordability (35%). In conclusion, the study found a high level of awareness and moderate usage of mosquito nets within the study area. The findings highlight the need for continued public health campaigns to address barriers to usage, particularly accessibility and comfort, while promoting the benefits of treated nets in preventing mosquito-borne diseases.